7 Days Kilimanjaro Machame Route
$2250
per personThe Machame route, also known as the Whisky Route is one of the most scenic and recommended routes on Kilimanjaro.
Also known as “The Whiskey Route,” Machame is one of the more scenic routes on the mountain. It is a popular route among climbers due to its high summit success rate. Allowing you to “climb high, sleep low”, this route gives your body enough time to adjust to the changes in altitude over several days.
Machame offers only tented accommodation and begins at the Machame Gate at the southern base of the mountain, with the approach to the summit made from the east. You will also descend the mountain via a different route, finishing your climb at Mweka Gate.
Climbs can take six or seven days; however, we would always advise choosing the longer route for the best chance of acclimatization and reaching the summit.
The most popular route to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro these days is Machame route 7 days, and for good reason.
Kilimanjaro climb Machame route 7 days price
Highlights:
- Duration: 6 or 7 days
- Difficulty: Medium
- Scenery: Excellent
- Traffic: High
How Long is the Machame Route?
The distance of the Machame is approximately 62 km or 37 miles. The total elevation gain ranges from approximately 16,000 to 17,000 feet.
How Many Days Does it Take to Climb Kilimanjaro on the Machame Route?
The Machame route has a few variations and can be completed in 6 to 7 days.
How Hard is it to Climb Kilimanjaro on the Machame ?
The Machame trail is considered a challenging route due to its distance and elevation gain. The up and down nature of the trail is strenuous. However, it does have a decent acclimatization schedule, which makes it a moderately difficult route.
What is the Success Rate of Climbing Kilimanjaro on the Machame Route?
The success rate depends on the number of days you spend on the mountain. For all operators combined, it is estimated that 6 day Machame climbs have a success rate of about 50% and 7 day Machame climbs have a success rate of around 70%. Our 6 day Machame route has a success rate of approximately 70-75% and our 7 day Machame route has a success rate of approximately 85-90%.
How Much Does it Cost to Climb Kilimanjaro on the Machame Route?
The cost of the Machame route will depend on the number of days. Our current pricing for a group climb on the 7 day Machame route is $2,225 per person.
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met and transferred for overnight accommodation at Panama Garden resorts B&B. Your head guide will meet you for your briefing, gear check and arrange for you to hire any equipment you may need.
Tour Includes:
- Park fees, camping fees, Hut fees & rescue fees
- Twice a day medical health checkup, monitoring with pulse-oximeter and stethoscope with basic first kit
- Oxygen Cylinder
- Orientation meeting in Moshi and gear check as well.
- 18% Value Added Tax on tour fees & services
- Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mat, camp chairs, camp tables, mess tent & cutlery for meals) and 3 Season mountain tents
- Airport pick up and drop off
- Transportation to & from the mountain gate
- Medically qualified mountain guides, cooks and porters
- 3 Meals while on the mountain + evening tea with popcorn or peanuts.
- Hot water for washing up daily and treated water for drink while climbing.
- Pre & Post Trek accommodation in Moshi at Panama garden resorts . Bed & Breakfast Basis with storage facilities for excess luggage during hikes.
- Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)
- 3-4 porters per climber, which includes porters to carry up to 30 lbs of your personal gear.
- Kilimanjaro certificate for your successful summit attempt.
Tour Exclude:
- Flights ( International)
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Tips for Guides, Porters & Chef
- Personal expenses in nature such as money for souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees etc.
- Visa fees ( 100 USD for American and 50 USD for non-American)
- Immunization documents ( yellow fever recommended for visa processing on arrivals)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and /or park fees
-
DepartureKilimanjaro Int. Airport
Day 1: Machame Gate – Machame Camp: 10.75k /7mi | 5-6 Hrs | Rainforest
Elevation: 1811m/5942ft to 3021m/9911ft
Altitude gained: 1210m
Departing from Moshi a 45-minute drive will take you through the Village of Machame to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. We will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead Enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora and fauna and natural wildlife. At these lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and quite slippery. We highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles here.
Day 2: Machame Camp – Shira Camp: 5.3km/3mi | 4-5hrs | Moorland
Elevation: 3021m/9911ft to 3839m/12,595ft
Altitude gained: 818m
After a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, we emerge from the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the valley along a steep rocky ridge. The route now turns west onto a river gorge until we arrive at the Shira campsite. Temperatures begin to drop.
Day 3: Shira Camp – Lava Tower – Barranco Camp: 10.75km/6mi | 5-6hrs | Semi-Desert
Elevation: 3839m/12,595ft to 3986m/13,077ft
Altitude gained: 147m
Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization. From Shira Plateau we continue east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the Kibo peak before we then continue, South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev. 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower, we come to a second junction, which leads to the Arrow Glacier. We then continue to descend to overnight at Barranco Camp.
Day 4: Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp: 5.2km/3mi | 3-4hrs | Alpine Desert
Elevation: 3986m/13,077ft to 4034m/13,235ft
Altitude gained: 48m
After breakfast, we continue on a steep ridge up to the adventurous Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction, which connects, with the Mweka Trail. This is one of the most impressive days to see the power, agility, and strength of your crew zip over this wall with what appears such ease. Overnight at Karanga Camp.
Day 5: Hike Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp: 3.3km /2 Mi | 3-4hrs | Alpine Desert
Elevation: 4034m/13,235ft to 4662m/15,295ft
Altitude gained: 628m
We continue up toward Barafu Camp, and once reached you have now completed the South Circuit, which offers a variety of breathtaking views of the summit from many different angles. An early dinner and rest as we prepare for summit night. Overnight at Barafu Camp.
Day 6: Barafu Camp – Summit: 4.86km /3mi Up | 5-7hrs | – Mweka Camp: 11.5km /7.2mi Down | 5-6hrs | Glaciers, Snow Capped Summit
Elevation: 4662m/15,295ft to 5895m/19,341ft
Altitude gained: 1233m
Descent to 3106m/10,190ft
Altitude lost: 2789m
Excitement is building as morning comes with an early start between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.
We continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers trying to stay warm and focused on the amazing sense of accomplishment that lies ahead. With a switchback motion in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. You will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise during your short rest here. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From here on your remaining 1 hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, you are likely to encounter snow all the way.
Congratulations, one step at a time you have now reached Uhuru Peak the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa!
After photos, celebrations and maybe a few tears of joy we take a few moments to enjoy this incredible accomplishment. We begin our steep descent down to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch and a very brief rest. We strongly recommend gaiters and trekking poles for uncooperative loose gravel and volcano ash terrain. Well-deserved rest awaits you to enjoy your last evening on the mountain. Overnight Mweka Camp.
Day 7: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Moshi: 9.1km/6mi |3-4hrs | Rainforest
Elevation: 3106m/10,190ft to 1633m/5358ft
Altitude lost: 1473m
After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it’s time to say goodbye. We continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy and steep and we highly recommend Gaiters and trekking poles.
From the gate, a vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 30 minutes). Enjoy a long overdue hot shower, dinner and celebrations!!
Overnight Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel 4 stars B&B. before being transferred to your journey home, safari or a relaxing trip to Zanzibar.
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